Turnout boots chaps for traditional cob

[jenz87]

Im thinking of getting my hairy monster traditional cob some turnout boots to keep his feathers clean.
Are they worth it? Also do they do any big enough?
He is only 14.0hh but has approx 8inch bone and lots of feather. He is short but has big legs and a full size head but 5'9 rug!

Any ideas?

 

[Merrymoles]

Personally, I wouldn't do it. I think you are asking for trouble when mud gets under the boots, legs overheat etc.
Having had a very hairy traditional in the past, I look at feathers as nature's "wellies", in that when you rooted around inside them, he was always clean and dry, never had mud fever etc.
I think you could well find that the problems caused by booting him up might well far surpass the inconvenience of muddy legs.

 

[LovesCobs]

I tried it last year, full feathered gypsie cob, I suggest you don't. Firstly it took a few tries to find some that not only went round his leg but weren't too long! Secondly they didn't work the mud git through easily and thirdly his legs got hot a sweaty underneath giving completely different problems. I now leave well alone, using oil for feathers (pig oil or one sold specifically for feathers) once a week and using wood pellet bedding keeps him in good shape, no mud fever and the dirt comes off (though they certainly aren't show white!)